Arsenal will be without defender Ben White for the next three months following his recent knee surgery, according to reports. White, who had been dealing with ongoing knee issues earlier in the season, decided to undergo surgery after failing to recover fully despite attempts to return to action.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the situation, explaining the challenges White faced. “Ben is going to be out for months,” Arteta stated. “It’s been a variety of struggles, not the same issue recurring, but different things.
It wasn’t improving, and we reached a point where surgery was necessary to protect the player. Unfortunately, it will take a few months, and now we have to monitor his recovery after the procedure.”
The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal’s medical team do not anticipate White’s return before February, viewing any earlier comeback as a fortunate development. This timeline represents a significant setback for the Gunners, as White has been an important figure in their defense. His absence will force Arteta to rely heavily on other options during this critical phase of the season.
This injury adds to the fitness challenges Arsenal have faced throughout the season. Arteta has frequently pointed out that the team’s inconsistent performances have been largely due to ongoing injury problems among key players.
The loss of White further complicates the situation as Arsenal strive to maintain their competitive edge in domestic and European campaigns.
However, there is some good news for the Gunners on the injury front. Jurrien Timber has recently returned from his own fitness issues and has been filling the right-back position effectively.
Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori’s comeback on the left side of defense has bolstered Arteta’s defensive options. These recoveries come at a crucial time, helping to ease some of the pressure on the team.
White’s absence, however, leaves a gap in Arsenal’s defense that will be difficult to fill in the short term. His versatility and ability to adapt to multiple roles have been key assets for Arteta’s side. While the team looks to navigate this challenging period, much will depend on how quickly White recovers and whether other players can step upin his absence.
